STUDENT MEMBER

Geoscience is a regulated profession in Ontario and most of Canada. Just as engineers, doctors, lawyers, and many other professions are regulated in Canada, so are geoscientists. Practising geoscience without a licence can result in legal action and financial penalties as defined by the Professional Geoscientists Act (2000). PGO is the regulator of geoscientists in Ontario and as such, governs the practice of geoscience in this province. PGO registers geoscientists and confers the Professional Geoscientists (P.Geo.) designation on them. It also handles complaints and discipline with respect to the actions of P.Geo.’s. Over 2000 P.Geo.’s are registered with PGO.

Aspiring to be a Professional Geoscientist?

If you wish to be qualified to practice geoscience in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada, start early! Become a student member of PGO. Get advice from PGO staff on which courses are necessary to meet PGO’s knowledge requirements. Enjoy the benefits of learning from Professional Geoscientists through our outreach at universities across Ontario and staying up-to-date with the geoscience field and related industries by subscribing to our weekly e-newsletter, Field Notes. To find out more about our networking events, please click on PGO Events.

Six Steps to Becoming a P.Geo.

  1. Apply to become a student member of PGO. 
  2. Use the online Knowledge Requirements Tool Kit.
  3. Complete a four year B.Sc. and meet all knowledge requirements.
  4. Apply and become a Geoscientist-in-Training (GIT). Students who register to be GITs within 6 months of graduating get their first year of GIT fees FREE.
  5. Get four years of geoscience work experience that meets PGO’s requirement.
  6. Apply for change of designation from GIT to P.Geo.

Student Outreach 

PGO has started its annual outreach to Ontario universities with in-person information session on P.Geo. registration. PGO acknowledges our Councillors who volunteer their time to deliver this information session in partnership with Registration staff, Eilidh Lewis, P.Geo., Registrar and Gabrielle Hosein, P.Geo., Assistant Registrar. We also acknowledge the faculty and staff from Ontario universities for working with us to make this outreach possible.

University of Ottawa - October 10, 2024 at 1 p.m.
Carleton University - October 10, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.
Western University - October 25, 2024 at 1:30 p.m
Lakehead University - October 30, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.
University of Toronto (Mississauga) - November 7, 2024 at 11 a.m.
Brock University - November 12, 2024 at 1 p.m.

More schools and dates to be announced.

Resources


Geoscience and Canada - Understanding our Earth: The vital role of Canada’s geoscientists
 
 
 
 



Geoscientists Canada’s Resource
Geoscience Knowledge and Experience
Requirements for Professional Registration in Canada.
 
 
 



Geoscientist-in-Training Program Guide
A useful document as you work toward your
career goal through a Geoscientist-In-Training (GIT) Program.
 
 
 


 
 


The Importance of Being a Geoscientist-in-Training

PGO encourages newly graduated students who are serious about pursuing a career in geoscience to register as a Geoscientist-in-Training as the next step towards achieving the P.Geo. designation. Here are registrants who shared their thoughts on the importance of becoming a Geoscientists-in-Training:


Angela Mae Mason, P.Geo.
 
 
 



Joanna West, GIT
 
 
 


 
 



What’s Great About Being a Professional Geoscientist?

Being a Professional Geoscientist means being a part of a proud profession. In this section, PGO registrants share their perspective on what's great about being a Professional Geoscientist.


Birgit Rameseder, P.Geo.
 
 
 



Greg Collins P.Geo.
 
 
 



Scott Franko, P.Geo.
 
 
 



David Hunt, (Past President)